🇪🇺 EU Tech News Digest 🟦 ECB pitches digital euro as response to Trump's crypto push [January 24, 2025] Euro zone banks need a digital euro to compete with U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency. Trump’s executive order aims to promote dollar-backed stablecoins worldwide, potentially impacting bank fees and clientele. The ECB is currently experimenting with a digital euro, which would allow for online payments and potentially impact bank profits. https://www.reuters.com/technology/ecb-pitches-digital-euro-response-trumps-crypto-push-2025-01-24/ 🟦 Meta’s Revised Ad-Free Service May Breach EU Privacy Laws, Consumer Group Says [January 23, 2025] Meta Platforms’ updated subscription service, which offers an ad-free experience for a fee, may still violate EU consumer and privacy laws, according to the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC). BEUC urges regulators to take action against Meta, expressing concerns that the service could infringe upon user rights and data protection regulations. https://www.reuters.com/technology/metas-revised-paid-ad-free-service-may-breach-eu-privacy-laws-consumer-group-2025-01-23 🟦 The European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) published a report on the feasibility of further centralizing major ICT-related incident reporting by financial entities. [17 January 2025] The report explores three models for potential future developments in this area. 1. Baseline Scenario: A decentralized model with national competent authorities (NCAs) as primary points of contact. 2. Data Sharing Model: An intermediate approach where NCAs remain the first contact but share data centrally for streamlined dissemination. 3. Fully Centralized Hub: Financial entities report directly to a single EU Hub accessible to all relevant stakeholders. https://www.eiopa.europa.eu/esas-publish-study-feasibility-further-centralisation-major-ict-related-incident-reporting-financial-2025-01-17_en 🟦 The EU Wants to Scan Every Message Sent in Europe. [January 24, 2025] The EU’s proposal to implement a Europe-wide apparatus for scanning users’ digital communications on platforms like Facebook, Signal, and WhatsApp aims to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM). However, the implications for privacy and digital security are considerable, as it would undermine encryption. Cybersecurity experts warn that mass scanning could introduce vulnerabilities and be misused for broader surveillance, not just CSAM detection. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/24/eu-digital-surveillance-child-protection #eu #govtech #innovation #regulation